OKLAHOMA CITY — Putnam City North coach DJ Lemons knew the emotions of senior night would be strong.

“It’s great to have to be in the moment and stuff like that,” Lemons said. But, you gotta calm your emotions down and get ready to play.”

After a strong showing by rival Putnam City early in the contest, the Panthers pulled away for a 59-27 rout of the Pirates Friday (Feb. 20).

Midway through the first quarter, North (24-1) led 9-7 over PC, a team which hadn’t won a game in nearly a month. The lead grew after the Panthers held Original to only two points in the second quarter. Lemons was still frustrated in a game that seemed closer than the scoreboard showed.

On the other bench, Putnam City coach Brian Booker saw growth from his team, which was playing its third game in four days that included another rivalry game with Putnam City West. He was excited to see that momentum next week in the regional playoffs.

“I feel against Norman that we’re gonna be ready to go,” Booker said. “
I feel like we’re gonna more to accomplish. We’re not gonna be scared. We played in front of a big crowd (against North) and we let it go.”

Lemons saw a lesson for his team.

“If we don’t respond the right way or have the right type of energy, we can get beat on any night. Whether we the most talented team or the most executed discipline team all it takes is one game.”

One slipup in the playoffs is magnified.

“You’ve got to be really good for one game, and then, sometimes luck is on the other team’s side if you’re not the team that you need to be that night.”

Sophomore Keaton Murry paced North with 15 points, two rebounds and an assist. Murry sank three 3-pointers. Fellow sophomore CJ Heskett added two treys and had 11 points.

Lemons said he was happy about the sharpshooter’s defensive progress.

“He answered a challenge of being a better defensive player, both on-and-off the ball,” Lemons said. “I know he’s going to have a great offensive performance when the payoffs come.”

Senior TJ McNeely finished with nine points, four rebounds, two assists and a block.

Seniors Nate Muriithi and Gabe Wilson tied for the team-high in rebounds for the contest.

For the Pirates, senior ZaMarion Frost had seven points. Junior DeMarre Threatt and senior Joseph Fokum each scored six points.

SENIORS SUPPORT PROGRAM’S GROWTH

Lemons said the team’s seniors (McNeely, Nate Muriithi, Malakye Schoats and Gabe Wilson) were important pieces to help build the program.

SCHOOL	PC DISTRICT RECORD
Putnam City West	2-0
Putnam City North	1-0
Putnam City	0-3

“They were here when I first started (as head coach), and when I was trying to implement and change the program and the standard of things. They bring this team together,” Lemons said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group.”

NORTH, WEST FINISH UNDEFEATED IN PC PLAY

With the win, North finishes 1-0 against its sister school. North and West didn’t play this season. The Pirates finished 0-3 against its rivals.

UP NEXT

North (24-1) hosts the 6A East Regional 1. The Panthers face Enid Friday (Feb. 27) at 6 p.m.

The Plainsmen (3-19) have lost 10 straight games dating back to an 84-74 win over Ponca City on Feb. 13. Enid lost to Northwest Classen Tuesday (Feb. 17), 71-69.

Original travels to Norman for the 6A West Regional 3. The Pirates face the Tigers (21-3) Friday (Feb. 27) at 6 p.m.

Norman captured the 6A District 2 title and has won eight straight games. The Tigers beat crosstown rival Norman North Friday, 46-40.

Norman will finish the regular season at 5A Carl Albert Saturday.

Photographs courtesy of Richard T. Clifton.

	1	2	3	4	F
Putnam City (4-19)	8	2	15	2	27
Putnam City North (24-1)	19	16	12	12	59